Questions about NOC and other stuff (CEC)

[egnoy]

I'm not applying for a few years yet. I'm starting the fourth year of my Bachelors degree this fall, so not in a position to apply for PR/CEC for a while. These questions are to help me prepare/plan for the future:

1) Will I have to submit copies of all previous study permits or just the most recent one?

2) My projected job is in NOC 2112 A (Chemist) or 2115 A (Occupations in Physical Sciences not otherwise specified). But the NOC description for 2112 (here: www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2112) seems too broad. Some of the bullet points would only apply to research chemists, chemists with years of experience, or chemists specializing in other sub-areas. Does this mean that if my job is in only one area of chemistry, I can't qualify for CEC?

3) Alternatively, I might end up with a general administrative support job (maybe something like this (just an example): workopolis.com/EN/job/13295394?uc=E9), which would be classified as NOC B? It seems to fall under NOC B according to the matrix here: www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/pdf/Matrix.pdf

4) I'm concerned that with the bad economy I won't be able to get an NOC 0, A, or B job before my PGWP expires. I have minimal experience but a lot of practical (lab) coursework. By the time I graduate, I will have some research experience, some volunteering experience and hopefully at least one paid job. If anyone has tips as to how to best position myself for post-graduation employment/CEC qualification even before I graduate, that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

(Sorry about the links! Apparently I can't post links yet.)

 

[jes_ON]

I'm not applying for a few years yet. I'm starting the fourth year of my Bachelors degree this fall, so not in a position to apply for PR/CEC for a while. These questions are to help me prepare/plan for the future:

1) Will I have to submit copies of all previous study permits or just the most recent one?

You will have to submit the most recent one, but it is good to hang on to all of your previous study permits just in case.

2) ... Does this mean that if my job is in only one area of chemistry, I can't qualify for CEC?

No. There are plenty of skilled occupations where your degree will come in handy. Also keep in mind that NOC codes are under revision, the 2011 revision miay be released before you apply. At the moment, the 2006 codes are still in effect.

3) Alternatively, I might end up with a general administrative support job (maybe something like this (just an example): workopolis.com/EN/job/13295394?uc=E9), which would be classified as NOC B? It seems to fall under NOC B according to the matrix here: www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/pdf/Matrix.pdf

You would have to be careful if you go this route - executive assistant and secretary are classified as skilled, but administrative assistant or office assistant are not.

4) I'm concerned that with the bad economy I won't be able to get an NOC 0, A, or B job before my PGWP expires. I have minimal experience but a lot of practical (lab) coursework. By the time I graduate, I will have some research experience, some volunteering experience and hopefully at least one paid job. If anyone has tips as to how to best position myself for post-graduation employment/CEC qualification even before I graduate, that would be great.

Can't help you there. Some on PGWPs do have difficulty, some do not. Most with science/technology degrees (like yourself) will do OK. And there's always graduate school

 

[egnoy]

You will have to submit the most recent one, but it is good to hang on to all of your previous study permits just in case.

Great, thanks. I think I have some of the previous study permits, but I can't find them!

No. There are plenty of skilled occupations where your degree will come in handy. Also keep in mind that NOC codes are under revision, the 2011 revision miay be released before you apply. At the moment, the 2006 codes are still in effect.

That's interesting about the revisions -- thanks. I didn't know that. I hope nothing changes for the worse and screws me over.

You would have to be careful if you go this route - executive assistant and secretary are classified as skilled, but administrative assistant or office assistant are not.

Thanks for that warning. If I end up in this type of field I'll make sure of that.

Can't help you there. Some on PGWPs do have difficulty, some do not. Most with science/technology degrees (like yourself) will do OK. And there's always graduate school

Graduate school is in my plans...but I'm probably not going to apply right out of undergrad. But if I get the PGWP and then go to grad school, I won't be eligible for another PGWP after grad school. Then I'll have no work experience and no PGWP to get it with...worst case scenario.